Stargazing, Not Just for Astronomers or How We Can All Be Astronomers

One of the joys of camping is the opportunity if affords you to get away from city life, and with it, the opportunity for stargazing.  Hidden Valley RV has very little artificial light, making viewing the night sky much more satisfying.

For those of us who enjoy stargazing but lack an encyclopedic knowledge of constellations, apps like

A Digital Eye in the Sky

While sitting by the fire with some guests this past week and talking "geek," you know,  ipads and new ways to edit photos and get WiFi in the boonies - an RVer introduced us to the wonderful world of the starry sky and planet, comet and constellation location with a handy app that works by pointing your smartphone towards the sky.  

GoSkyWatch Planetarium - the astronomy star guide

So simple and full of animations that make sky gazing a fun experience even for new astronomers.  No matter how remote the location (the remoter the better if you want to escape city lights) you can still access the app since it will work even without an internet connection once you have it downloaded.  


It's available on iTunes for iOS for $3.99, CLICK HERE (you'll need to sign into your iTunes acct for iPhones and iPads) and there's  

A compatible app for androids called SkEye for free on the Google Play Store CLICK HERE

11 Must Have Apps to Survive A STORM

When natural (or unnatural) disasters strike at home, we’ve all seen the devastation they can cause; but what about when you’re on the road in your RV? Unfamiliar surroundings, not knowing local emergency methods and being unaware of even the sort of dangers that could arise, make dealing with storm related emergencies especially challenging when traveling. Getting emergency preparedness apps on your smartphone is one way to keep you and your family safe and prepared for any bad weather in your traveling path.



When traveling in different States of the U.S.

You probably already have a disaster-preparedness kit (if you don’t check out ready.gov for what to include.) Don’t count on working cell or WiFi service in a disaster, or power to charge your batteries. Keep charged backup batteries for mobile devices in your disaster kit.

These 11 apps are ones that we use or have learned about from our guests that can benefit RVers and travelers of all sorts.

1.  Get the latest weather no matter where you are traveling.

NOAA's weather programs touch the lives of every American. Every day, decisions are made based on NOAA weather information -- from the mundane "should I pack an umbrella today?" to the most critical and potentially life-saving. With the mission to protect life and property, and enhance the United States' economy, NOAA's National Weather Service is the sole official voice of the U.S. government for all kinds of weather situations.

And now, it's all available on your smartphone. Click on these links to see the available downloads, some free, some for a fee.

For your android phone        For your iPhone

2.  Know where the disasters are.
PDC has released a new version of its popular Disaster Alert, a free-download application ("app") for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices that provides users with instant access to worldwide hazards information. The app informs users of active hazards around the globe —current and near-real time incidents that are designated "potentially hazardous to people, property, or assets"—via maps and lists, with links to other useful information about the events and their potential impacts.  Download the disaster alert apps here. 

3.  First Aid/CPR Guidance

The American Red Cross provides a first aid app with free lifesaving first aid instruction... and disaster preparedness information including videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice.
There is a similar app from the American Heart Association for iPhones and for Androids

 

4.  Hurricane Tracking and Preparedness
There are numerous hurricane tracking apps.  This American Red Cross link has their app plus links to several others as well.

5.  Earthquake App

Be ready for an earthquake with Earthquake by American Red Cross. Get notified when an earthquake occurs, prepare your family and home, find help and let others know you are safe even if the power is out – a must have for anyone who travels or lives in an earthquake-prone area or has loved ones who do.  It also includes an "I'm Safe" feature to notify family and friends that you are okay.  

From your mobile phone, call "**REDCROSS" (**73327677) and we will send you a link to download the app to your phone or you can download them directly from the iTunes or Google Play app stores.

6.  Wildfire Help
Be ready for a wildfire with Wildfire by the American Red Cross. Get notified about active wildfires, as well as fire weather warnings, prepare your family, home and pets, let loved ones know that you are safe even if the power is out – a must have for anyone who lives in an area that is susceptible to wildfires or has loved ones that do.  Get the app here.

7.  Red Cross Shelter Finder
Offered by the American Red Cross, the application maps locations and shelter details across the United States. Zoom in to your local area. View shelter details: the agency managing the shelter, capacity of the shelter and current population, the associated disaster event and the specific shelter address and location.  Download the Shelter Finder Here. 

8.  Point and Click
When weather threatens the Point and Click App can keep you appraised of approaching severe weather. A variable distance selection can be set using miles or kilometers.
http://www.ilovefreeapps.com/point-and-click

9.  Know where to obtain emergency fuel.
Locate gas stations near you and see their current gas prices. Get the Gas Buddy App Here.






10.  A Cutesy but handy app to keep you out of the dark

Never be caught without a flashlight.  This app is available for all devices and puts out a pretty good light.  Just remember to use it sparingly in an emergency to save your smartphone battery.
Just search your app store on your smartphone for flashlight apps and you'll find several. 

11.  Dropbox
Dropbox lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily. Access any file you save to your Dropbox from all your computers, iPhone, iPad and even the Dropbox website!  Think emergency info!  You could transfer all your medical, allergy, blood type, etc. info easily on your smart phone.  If you needed medical help in a disaster this info could prove invaluable to medical personnel.  Download DropBox for Mobile Here. 



Don't' forget
It's best to download and familiarize yourself with these apps before you need them.  If the links in this post are only good for an Android or only for an iPhone, just search your App Store or marketplace on your smartphone for the app you need. 
Also, most people already have a map application on their cell phones.  Either use it or a regular map to familiarize yourself with your location and know the county you're in.  That's usually info you'll need to determine emergency conditions near you.  Hopefully you'll not need these apps and all your travels will be smooth sailing.

"We cannot stop natural disasters but we can arm ourselves with knowledge: so many lives wouldn't have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness."   Petra Nemcova

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV

Say hello to the voice of Hidden Valley

Smart Phone RV Apps

Our idea of a smart phone has been a little behind the times.  Being a country park it's taken Hidden Valley RV a while to get into the whole "APP" experience.  But once you get an i phone, android or blackberry...you can't help yourself.  Spend just a few minutes in the apps store on your phone and you begin downloading one, then another and another.  If your an RV enthusiast like us, the choices are growing every month.  These are some apps that are essential to trip planning, will keep you entertained, and help you stay in touch with loved ones. Spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time fretting over the nearest bathroom with these great apps.with new options for the RV traveler. 

Great On The Road Apps

1. Camp Finder ($2.99)
Find information on 14,000 campgrounds and RV parks across the U.S. with just the touch of a screen. Camp Finder works with your GPS location to pinpoint campgrounds nearest to you even when you are on the move. Search by state, city, or name. Read reviews, view photos and search by amenities, camping clubs and park types to quickly find the perfect campground or RV Park for you. Named "the best of the paid camp apps" by The New York Times, it's the hassle free way to find the perfect place for you. The ease of use makes this app phenomenal. It is available on both the iPhone and Droid.

2. iExit (Free)

What's coming up on the next exit? Days spent on the highway waiting for a convenient exit might have been a mystery in the past, but this app takes the guesswork out of your trip. iExit gives you a rolling list of available services for any interstate you are on. This is a seriously useful app for the true camper, RVer and road tripper. The app is available on iPhone and Droid.

3. USPS Mobile (Free)

Need to send or receive a package on the road? Check out this great app that lists the nearest post office to your current location to save you hassle and time. It is available on the iPhone and Droid.

4. Gas Buddy (Free)

With gas being a top expense for any road trip, it's great to have a buddy keeping you updated on the cheapest gas prices in your current area. That buddy is Gas Buddy, a wonderful app that helps you find the cheapest gas prices near you. The app is available on the iPhone, iPad and Droid.

5. National Park Field Guides (Free)

Want to know what species of bird you just spotted by your campsite? National Parks is a great field guide to the natural wildlife of 50 National Parks. Explore and identify native trees and wildflowers. Learn about all species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles inhabiting each park. Search endangered and poisonous species. Field Guides is also great for finding camp hours, directions, and major sites within. National Parks Field Guide is available on the iPhone and iPad.

6. Kindle (Free)

Ever wanted to bring your favorite books with you during your camping trip but just don't have enough space? With the Kindle app your favorite books are stored on your mobile phone or iPad, so there is no need to bring the heavy hardcover books, you can leave them at home. Purchase new releases, or reread an old favorite. Best of all, most of your favorite adventure classics, like Huckleberry Finn, are free to download. Kindle is available on the iPhone and Droid. We recommend it on the iPad for those who enjoy a bigger reading screen.

7. Pandora (Free)

Pandora is a music lover's paradise. If you have a 3G connection Pandora delivers an unlimited supply of music to your trip. Simply type in an artist you like and listen to a streaming jukebox of songs and artists that Pandora feels you might also enjoy. It's a great way to discover and rediscover music. Plug your device to portable speakers to liven a campfire. Pandora is available on the iPhone, iPad and Droid.

8. Flight Control ($1 - $5)

Land aircrafts and avoid collisions in this incredibly addictive game. Take turns with your camping buddies to start a fun competition. Flight Control is available on both the iPhone, iPad and Droid

9. Skype (Free)

Skype is a great app when far from home and on the road. IPhones and similar front-facing camera devices allow you to share in real time the great outdoors with friends through videoconference. Skype allows you to call anyone in the world with a Skype account for free. Keep in touch, save money, and share life with loved ones. Skype is available on the iPhone, iPad and Droid.

10. Facebook (Free)

Want to know what your friends are up to? Want to quickly update them about your road trip? Facebook is the cure all for sharing, staying connected, and a great way to catch up with your friends. Keep everyone updated on your trip by uploading photos from your mobile device, check in to stops at locations of interest, and tag camping buddies that have joined the adventure. The Facebook app is available on both the iPhone and Droid.

Download these apps on your smartphone today so you have everything you need for a great RV trip. These are all great apps for full time RVers also.
Info on apps was reprinted from Camping Road Trip.com